*The Giants have released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2017 preseason: *
Believe it or not, it is Game Week.
The New York Giants kick off the preseason Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Leading up to the game, the team released its first unofficial depth chart of the 2017 season.
Don't go crazy, though.
The depth chart is just a starting point on the long road to filling out the 53-man roster, which will be finalized on Sept. 2. Because of a rule change, there will be only one roster cut-down this year. Previously, clubs first pared the roster from 90 to 75 players. Now they go straight from 90 to 53.
With that in mind, check it out and take it for what it's worth. Here are some notes about the Giants' unofficial depth chart:
BROMLEY NEXT TO SNACKS
The defensive line is the closest thing to hockey lines in this sport. They're always rotating, especially with the big men in the middle, to keep fresh legs on the field. One of the few pieces that did not return to the No. 2 scoring defense was defensive tackle, where Johnathan Hankins left a void after signing with the Colts as a free agent. In this depth chart, fourth-year pro Jay Bromley is next to All-Pro Damon Harrison on the first line. Behind Bromley is rookie second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson, and behind Harrison is Robert Thomas and Corbin Bryant.
"Jay's having a good camp so far," coach Ben McAdoo said this week. "He's playing physical, playing with a good base, and that's a good starting point for him. I look forward to seeing him again in the preseason games. Big year for Jay."
NO ROOKIES IN THE STARTING LINEUP
For the first time in a while, there are no rookies in the first column of the depth chart. That doesn't mean they won't be playing a large number of snaps, though. Tight end Evan Engram, this year's first-round pick, is behind veteran Rhett Ellison, who signed with the team this offseason. They're listed at the same position, but their skill sets differ in that Ellison is more of a blocker and Engram more of a receiver.
BIZ & WHEELER BOOKEND SECOND O-LINE
Sixth-round pick Adam Bisnowaty and undrafted rookie Chad Wheeler are lined up on the second team at right and left tackle, respectively. In between are center Brett Jones, left guard Adam Gettis and right guard D.J. Fluker.
"I think we have some young players on that second offensive line group," McAdoo said, "that have a chance to push people for jobs, which I like."
JOHNSON BACKS UP ELI; GENO NO. 3
The Giants have three quarterbacks currently competing to be Eli Manning's backup for the 2017 season. Rookie third-round pick Davis Webb is a developmental player, making it more of a two-man race between Josh Johnson and Geno Smith. Those two have been switching back and forth in training camp between No. 2 and No. 3, but in the first depth chart, Johnson is right behind Manning. We might be seeing a lot of him on Friday night.
WILL GIANTS KEEP A TRADITIONAL FULLBACK?
The Giants, who did not have a fullback on their 53-man roster last year, currently have two: Jacob Huesman and Shane Smith. They're listed in that order on the depth chart, but we'll see what the Giants do moving forward. Ellison has experience lining up in the backfield as a hybrid tight end/fullback.
